Sunday, February 8, 2009

Charity

Today Rob and I had the opportunity to speak in sacrament. It is always such a great learning experience. So our topic was charity and it brought many tender memories of my life into view. A few years ago we had a surprise birthday party for my father. We decided to do just adults and have a night where everyone could enjoy each others company and have a nice dinner (we will be having my parents 32nd grandchild)... So there we where in the veranda at the Four Seasons and we all went around the table to told our favorite memory of our dad. Many of the stories I had never heard before as my dad is not much of a boaster about service her renders. The story that came to me when it was my turn to share was about the day he met Rob. My parents where coming up to Utah to visit and I was excited for them to meet my new found hospital hunk, haha. Rob was really nervous and told me "what would you be thinking if your daughter wanted you to meet her boyfriend who she had met in the hospital, had a diagnosis that he would never walk. He is going to think he will have to support us for the rest of our lives." We had a great laugh but it didn't take off the full edge of the hesitation Rob was feeling. My dad came into his room and we had a great chat, he asked if he could offer a prayer before leaving and then asked me if I would walk him to the car. When we arrived in the parking lot I asked him what he thought, thru tear filled eyes he said, "if the Lord saved some one as wonderful as that for you, you are a mighty lucky girl." I believe that because my father views others thru the lens of charity (pure love) that he could see Rob as the stalwart spiritual giant that he is and recognized how wonderful he would be for me. Another gift of charity that was told that evening was from my brother in law Doug. My oldest sister Michelle past away in 1988 in a car accident with her son and she was pregnant. It was devastating to all of us to loose the 3 of them. My brother in law and niece (Krystaly) came to live with us shortly after the funeral and I always loved having a little sister added to the bunch. We loved having Doug and Krystaly around and it seemed so natural to have them in our home, I never wondered until I was older how it was decided for them to come and live with us. Doug told the story that night of coming home after the funeral and looking around their duplex apartment in provo with Krystaly at his side, overwhelmed by the task ahead and wondering how he would get thru this season of his life. He said he heard a knock at the door and when he opened it my father was standing there with a uhaul behind him and said, "Son, I've come to move you home."

So tonight as I think of the wonderful examples of charity in my life these are a few stories that I would want to emulate.

Candace--a couple of years ago Doug wrote an article for his column about "the hunting trip that never was" where he wrote about the accident and the son he lost. I did not know at the time that it was your sister that he lost. Not to get too mushy, but I remember sitting in my office, crying my flippin' eyes out. I learned later who it was that he was speaking of (I knew of the incident). I sent him an email and thanked him for the story. Now, thanks to you, I have "the rest of the story." You and Robbie did a fantastic job yesterday. --Andrew

Seriously...... I am just crying my eyes out! My heart is so full and I really appreciate your amazing family! I have loved them since the first time I met them! Thank you so much for posting that beautiful story! I really felt the spirit reading that story!

I miss you tons and when the heck is your baby shower I need to book my ticket so I can come! I am so pumped to go!!!!xoxoxoxo

Could you just STOP making me cry already!! I love you and your family! I know how you feel because I often think of my dad the same way. We are lucky girls and I know our girls will feel the same way about their daddys.

I so loved that. Your dad's countenance is so beautiful. You can tell just by looking at him what kind of a man he is. You have such an amazing family. My grandma talks about them all the time! I think she loves that she now knows we have mutual friends! So cute.

Candace ~ I love what you put about dad. I call him dad because he was around for much of my younger years growing up together. I remember on the way to Gunlock he said "girls I am going to pull this car over and teach you how to drive. I remember him telling me that as long as I stayed in between the white lines I would do just fine. He sat right next to us and we always made it to Gunlock safely. He is a wonderful person a gift from God and I feel so blessed to have been a part of those great memories. I was so happy when you told me that you were pregnant. I was wondering who it would happen to first and you beat me to it. I am so happy for you and Rob and can't wait to meet the bundle of joy. I love you and the whole family. Can you believe that we have been best friends for 17 years. Time flys when your having fun. Can't wait to see ya. Love Holly

What a sweet posting, Candace. Your dad (and mom) have held a special place in my heart. They were such a comfort to everyone when my grandma passed away. Their friendship was such a treasure to my grandpa through the end of his life.

You look amazing! (Pregnancy suits you!!) So happy for you and Robbie!

I remember one year at girl's camp in Southern Utah when there was a sunrise hike planned and for some reason no one knew I wanted to go and so I slept right through it. Your dad heard about it and told me that he would come for me the next morning and we would go together.

I will always remember his generosity in taking me, someone related only spiritually, to see the handiwork of God and the sweet gospel discussions we had along the way.

Your father watches people enough, I believe, to see some of what our Father in Heaven sees as He looks down on us. He is a good man.